Finding the Right Book
I believe that everyone can enjoy reading — it’s just a matter of finding the right book. Walking into a library for the first time can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. To help you get started, here are some easy-to-use resources designed to guide you toward stories you’ll love.
Book Lists
These are lists of different awards for young adult novels. This is a great place to start.
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Best Fiction for Young Adults Award– all different genres, lengths, subjects
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Quick Picks for Teen Readers Award– Often fast reads that’ll grab you early in the story
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Great Graphic Novels for Teens Award– Try a book with incredible art + a great story!
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Teens’ Top Ten Award– books nominated and voted on by teen readers
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Stonewall Honor Book– award for exceptional book featuring LGBTQIA+ characters
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Book Reviews from the Johnson County Public Library Teen Advisory Council
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LatinX Book Festival this link takes you to their Google Spreadsheet of YA titles
Free Online Book
Suggestion Sites
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What Should I Read Next– enter something you already like to see similar titles/authors
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LibraryThing– search for a book you like and look at the similar title suggestions
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GoodReads– very similar to LibraryThing, also has book lists of various kinds
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NoveList Plus– search for a book you like and see titles of books readers think are similar
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Gale Books and Authors - Search and match reading interests to books, authors, genres, or topics.
Thank you to Shelly McNerney for curating these lists